On my way to Medeber. I pass
the Italian war Cemetery. The cemetery is well maintained and in this time of year the
bougainvillea shrubs bloom in yellow, orange and purple.

On the left side of the cemetery are the graves
of the Italian soldiers. Rows of white marble tombstones, with the names of the soldiers engraved. On the right side of the tombs of the Eritrean soldiers, and the graves of the unknown
soldiers, also in white marble.

I leave a few lines in the
guest book.

I spend the early afternoon
walking through the center of Keren, watching every day life, and the
preparations for the Festival.

Hidat invited me for a walk at
3:00 PM and a visit to the hair dresser. She will have her hair done for
tomorrows feast, the Mariam Dearit Festival.

I watch the ladies braiding
the hair of the customers, while they are drinking coffee, the traditional
way.

When I point the camera in
their direction, it is immediately clear that they don't want me to
picture the work in progress. I will have to wait until it is finished, or
until tomorrow.